Fight the Good Fight for a Clean Conscience
Dana discusses the importance of maintaining a good conscience, referencing 1 Timothy 1:18, which encourages believers to "fight the good fight" of faith. He emphasizes that every person has been given a conscience by God, which serves as a moral compass, guiding them in distinguishing right from wrong. Dana warns that a conscience can become seared or desensitized through immoral actions, leading to a lack of sensitivity to wrongdoing. He illustrates this with personal anecdotes and examples, including the dangers of peer pressure and youthful lusts, which can lead individuals away from a clear conscience. Dana encourages listeners to submit to authority for the sake of their conscience and to flee from temptations that could compromise their moral integrity. He concludes by urging the audience to fight for a good conscience, as it is essential for serving God effectively and living a fulfilling Christian life. Dana emphasizes that no relationship or desire is worth sacrificing a clear conscience, as it is vital for spiritual health and discernment.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to the concept of a good conscience
- Scriptural basis: 1 Timothy 1:18
- The universal gift of conscience (Romans 2)
- Consequences of a seared conscience (1 Timothy 4)
- Importance of maintaining sensitivity in conscience
- Peer pressure and youthful lusts as threats to conscience
- Submission to authority for conscience's sake
- Call to fight for a good conscience
- Conclusion: The value of a clear conscience in serving God
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
